Set ‘Em Up Fishing Charters pairs a spotless review record with a brand new boat and a federal permit, which is a strong combination in Jacksonville. Captain Joe has run the operation since 2019, fishing a new center console out of the Mayport boat ramp for snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, and the rest of the northeast Florida spread, and the boat carries a 5.0 rating across more than 100 trips. For an angler who wants one captain, a clean modern boat, and the permit to reach the federal grounds, it is an easy boat to recommend.
The verdict and where it ranks
At 7.8 Set ‘Em Up is a strong choice and ranks third in Jacksonville. It sits behind the larger, longer running Team Buck Rogers and the deeper record of Sea Dancer Charters, and ahead of the comparable Salty Goat Fishing Company on the strength of a flawless rating and a brand new boat. The honest limit is the same one the other small boats here carry: at 24 feet it is range limited on the longest, roughest offshore runs, where a bigger boat is more comfortable and reaches farther. For more boat and range, Team Buck Rogers is the step up; for the deepest record, Sea Dancer; and for a cheap walk on seat, the Majesty party boat is far less per person. The full field is on the Jacksonville ranking.
The boat
The boat is a 24 foot Pair Custom center console built in 2026, running a single 300 horsepower Suzuki with a top cruising speed near 50 knots, and it is one of the newest hulls in the port. The operation describes vessels kept above Coast Guard safety standards and rigged with current electronics and tackle, and the boat is federally permitted to fish outside state waters. As a 24 foot center console it is a capable nearshore and offshore boat on a settled day, fast and modern, but it is small, so the longest runs to the bluewater in a building sea are not its strongest ground. For a half day or a three quarter day on the closer to mid range structure, it is well suited.
The fishing and what you target
Set ‘Em Up fishes both the inshore and the offshore side. Closer in there are redfish, trout, and flounder, and offshore the boat works the bottom and the troll for snapper, grouper, black sea bass, mahi mahi, and king mackerel. The federal permit is the practical edge, letting the boat fish the deeper federal grounds outside state waters when those seasons are open. Atlantic red snapper are abundant off Jacksonville but the federal season is very short and was closed by a court order for 2026, so confirm the status with NOAA Fisheries before you plan around them. Shallow water grouper, including gag and red, are closed January 1 to April 30 each year.
Trips and prices
The boat runs three lengths, all whole boat for up to 4 anglers: a 4 hour half day at $700, a 6 hour three quarter day at $900, and an 8 hour full day at $1,100, with free cancellation given 30 days notice. The fishing license, live bait, and catch cleaning are included, which is more than some boats fold in, and a customary crew tip is extra. The pricing sits in the normal range for a Jacksonville six pack and is clear and posted. For how the whole boat math compares with a per person party boat seat, our cost guide and the party boat versus private charter guide work it through.
The crew
Captain Joe runs every trip himself, with offshore charter and commercial snapper and grouper experience behind him, and the record reflects it: a 5.0 rating across more than 100 reviews, with reviewers consistently describing a knowledgeable, easygoing captain and a well run, family friendly day. The volume is strong for a boat that has run since 2019, though it is not as deep as the long established records on Sea Dancer or Team Buck Rogers. The direction, though, is as good as it gets, and a single owner captain keeps the experience consistent trip to trip.
Booking and what to know
Book direct or through FishingBooker, and book ahead in summer. Confirm the trip length and the target with Captain Joe so the plan matches the season and the permit is used well, and ask which trips reach the federal grounds if a deeper target is the goal. The boat launches from the Mayport boat ramp at 4870 Ocean Street. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and a cooler with ice; the boat covers the rods, tackle, live bait, license, and cleaning.
How we scored it
Set ‘Em Up scores 7.8: a federally permitted, owner run charter on a brand new boat with a flawless rating across more than 100 trips, held below the leaders by a small 24 foot hull and a record that, while spotless, is not as deep as the longest established boats in the port. Captain and crew and track record are its strongest factors. See how we scored this boat and the Jacksonville ranking for the field.